The Understudies

Under-studied

...

Slamming a hand down onto what felt like my alarm clock, I felt a slight tinge of pain trail through my hand. The slightest feeling of warm liquid flow down my fingertips was enough to wake me up. A piece of plastic from this too-many-times-broken alarm clock slit my hand. I don't even know why I can't just buy a new one: God knows how lazy I really am.

Pushing off the comforter, I dragged myself out of bed and over to the bathroom to go wash my face and well...everything. I was a complete mess. My hair stuck it in every direction possible, very much resembling a bird's nest, and reeked of chlorine. I had went swimming a few days before. I had even promised myself that I would wash it but I never got around to actually put my words into action.

My lips were cracked and my throat was suffering for dehydration and in desperate need of water. God, Liza what did you do to yourself last night.

"I might as well stay here and just go to school tomorrow," I said as I began brushing my teeth. By the time I was done, my mouth was surrounded by toothpaste and my teeth were sparkling white (because that's how I like them). I quickly got dressed. If you can call throwing a grey, oversized hoodie over your head and any jeans you could find in your closet that weren't dirty getting dressed. But that's my typical morning routine, so get used to it.

I hurry down the stairs, almost tripping on all the toys left on them, and make it to the breakfast table. I sat in my usual seat and began eating so I could leave as soon as possible. I did not want to be here when Dad comes down and complains about everything and everyone that has ever existed on this earth.

"Great you're here," My mom says. She was already dressed, keys in hand and purse in the other. "Do you need a ride to school or are you catching a ride?"

I gulped down my last bite only to hear a car horn from outside. "I was offered a ride by June again," I said grabbing my backpack and sliding onto my back. My phone was placed into my hand as I began walking to the door. "Thanks anyway." I slam the door shut walking over to June's car.

I really didn't want to sit in a cramped car with a complaining dad, two annoying brothers that love to mess with me, and a working mom that is annoyed by every little thing we kids do. I was escaping that place of horror and relaxing with earbuds firmly in my ears as the wind tugged against the curls in my hair. The only thing that could make this moment more precious is the fact that I wasn't on my way to hell-- I mean school.

Anyone that goes to that school knowns damn well that it is hell for teens. Our principal, Ms. Kale, is more than enough proof. She once expelled one of her own kids for not getting an A in English. Although, I find it impossible to fail English when you speak the language...fluently.

I popped my earbuds put my ears and turned my phone on silent as June began going on and on about her gossip sessions. "That's when Michael asked me out and I said--"

"Michael asked you out? When? And where was I when this happened?" I said confused. I thought we were better than that, June. Keeping secrets, are we?

"At Winston's party on Friday," She said gripping the wheel to turn. "I would have told you sooner but I was so excited and overwhelmed about the whole situation that I forgot to consult my best friend about it. Sorry by the way. You know How I can be when it comes down to the subject of me."

"It's fine," I said hugging my backpack as we came closer to the school. "So how's cheerleading been going for you? I heard you made team captain again."